Molecular dynamics simulation was used to investigate reactions of a ½<111>{110} edge dislocation with interstitial dislocation loops of ½<111> and <100>-type in a model of iron. Whether loops were strong or weak obstacles depends not only on loop size and type, but also on temperature and dislocation velocity. These parameters determine whether a loop was absorbed on the dislocation or left behind as it glides away. Absorption requires glide of a reaction segment over the loop surface and cross-slip of dipole dislocation arms attached to the ends of the segment: these mechanisms depend on temperature and strain rate, as discussed here.

Competing Processes in Reactions between an Edge Dislocation and Dislocation Loops in a Body-Centred Cubic Metal. D.Terentyev, Y.N.Osetsky, D.J.Bacon: Scripta Materialia, 2010, 62[9], 697-700